Private Studio Setup

[GFruge]

I haven't posted here in awhile as I've been dealing with other projects. However, I'm ready to get back into the swing of things. My work platform is as listed:

WorkSpace
* 16x24 Climate Controlled shop in backyard
* Walls and ceiling painted neutral gray (recently finished)
* Only 3 seamless backgrounds to work with (white, black, Chromakey green) I have a 3 background bracket mounted to the ceiling (8' ceiling)
* Future plans include getting a few muslins with something to attach them to (sort of bracket that I can hang the sheets on)

Equipment is listed below.


Should I use soft boxes or umbrellas in such a tight confined space? I feel that I could control the light a little more with the soft boxes. I'd like to have something fixed due to the small space and low ceiling height. My light boom will not work, so I'm thinking of fixing something to the ceiling where I can mount the strobe there.

I have:
3 medium softboxes (24x32)
2 umbrellas (silver lined)
Snoots / Grids / Barn doors


Any suggestions or comments?

 

[Big Mike]

I think it will depends on the type of shots you are trying to achieve. For example, it would probably be hard to get a high ratio (main to fill) if you have light bouncing all around, which is what often happens when using umbrellas.
Softboxes do tend to constrain the light better, making it easier to keep it from bouncing around.

It can be tough when your ceiling is fairly low, but it's certainly something you can learn to work with. I'm not sure if mounting the lights is ideal, unless you use something that gives you some degree of movement.

 

[GFruge]

Thanks for replying Mike.

I had every intention to use only softboxes while saving the umbrellas for outdoor usage. A rail system will eventually be put in place, because using the boom is quite frustrating. Takes forever to move everything around, atleast when I shot in there before.

I didn't know if I should have posted this topic in "Beyond the Basics" or if I should have posted elsewhere. Really for the next couple of months, I'll be experimenting with everything since it's in such close quarters. I've really never shot anything with such limited space, but afterall, it's paid for and it's mine. Don't need to rent a space for a hobby. The only thing that bothers me most of all is the ceiling height, but I've heard of people working around that issue.

 

[Big Mike]

There are any number of ways to go about it. For example, I've seen lights that are on an articulating arm that is mounted on the wall. There is obviously the rail system, although that would take up some of your precious height.
You could mount to the ceiling using super clamps and maybe magic arms. That wouldn't take up too much space and would be versatile for other options.

You could incorporate Autopoles. I use them to hold my backdrops against the wall, but you could also use them as light stands. Because they can brace against the floor & ceiling, the foot print is much smaller than a light stand. I'm not sure if they would reach across your 16' width, but they can also be used from all to wall, creating a quick & easy way to mount lights overhead.

 

[kundalini]

Takes forever to move everything around, atleast when I shot in there before.

Add casters to your light stands for easier movement.

 

[GFruge]

Adding casters would be perfect for the primary lights. The serious issue I have is the boom for hairlight. Moving it around is a pain. After looking around, I found this which seems interesting:

Manfrotto 098B Wall Mounting Boom Arm, Black - 098B B&H Photo

I could put 1 of these on both walls and have my basis covered for the 16' width. This way I wouldn't lose much headspace with a rail system.

Just have an electrical source attached to both and then I'd only need to move the head over and secure it.